Are malls officially cool now? Westfield UTC, which has already attracted notable names including Shake Shack and Din Tai Fung as part of its $600 million expansion and remodel, will soon gain a cocktail bar and retail store combo from local hospitality group CH Projects (Polite Provisions, False Idol, Noble Experiment). Called Raised By Wolves, it’s scheduled to open in January 2018, in a plaza called The Pointe across from the new Apple store and La Colombe Coffee.
A mall setting might seem incongruous for a group whose empire of bars and restaurants is rooted in neighborhoods like Little Italy, North Park and the East Village; co-founder Arsalun Tafazoli even admits it’s a far stretch from their core model. But, he says that he was attracted by the opportunity to create a unique concept that brings their hospitality culture to the retail experience and adds to Westfield UTC’s efforts in building a dynamic, walkable space for the surrounding community.
Raised By Wolves’ 1,500-square-foot retail store will offer everything needed to kit out a home bar. Beverage Director Anthony Schmidt is amassing a large selection of spirits and liqueurs, including rare and vintage bottles, that will be available for tasting or purchase. And cocktail enthusiasts will be able to further their drink obsession by buying books, all manner of barware and CH Projects branded goods.
The shop, and its companion 2,000-square-foot cocktail bar that will lay behind a hidden entrance, is being custom designed and built by Paul Basile of BASILE Studio who describes the style as inspired by 19th century Europe. Bringing the outdoors in, the circular bar will resemble a gazebo, with theatrical LED lighting mimicking the sun’s glow from dawn to dusk. Open nightly and by reservation only, the Raised By Wolves bar will also host cocktail classes, pop-ups and guest bartender events. The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, while the bar will operate from 5 p.m. to midnight or later.